This variable-hardness actuator (10), which is mounted to a flexible member and makes it possible to impart different hardnesses to the flexible member, is provided with: a shape memory member (20) being capable of changing phases between a first phase and second phase and an inductive member (30) being connected to a control unit (50) that supplies a current, receiving the supply of the current and emitting heat, and causing the shape memory member (20) to undergo a change in phase between the first phase and second phase. The shape memory member (20), when in the first phase, assumes a soft state in which said member can be easily deformed in accordance with an external force and consequently imparts relatively low hardness to the flexible member. The shape memory member (20), when in the second phase, assumes a hard state in which said member resists an external force and exhibits a tendency to assume a pre-stored memory shape, and consequently imparts relatively high hardness to the flexible member. The connecting portion between the variable-hardness actuator (10) and the control unit (50) is disposed toward one end of the shape memory member (20).La présente invention concerne un actionneur à dureté variable (10), qui est monté sur un élément flexible et permet de conférer différentes duretés à lélément flexible. Il est est pourvu : dun élément à mémoire de forme (20) capable de changer de phase et de passer dune première phase à une seconde phase et dun élément inductif (30) connecté à une unité de commande (50) qui fournit un courant, recevant lalimentation du courant, émettant de la chaleur et amenant lélément à mémoire de forme (20) à subir un changement de phase entre la première phase et la seconde phase. Lélément à mémoire de forme (20), lorsquil se trouve dans la première phase, adopte un état souple dans lequel ledit élément peut être facilement déformé en fonction dune force extérieure et confère, par conséquent, une dureté relativement faible à lélé
